Carlisle, Comics, Collectibles & More!

Coming up this Saturday is the return of Megacon in sunny Carlisle - well it was sunny last time and we'd like more of the same thank you very much! It promises to be a nice mix of comics, books, role-playing games, computer gaming, toys, collectibles and more with the likes of Waterstones, Game and Toymaster in attendance so something for everyone.

We had a fun time last year and sold a decent amount of books to make the trip North worthwhile so quite happy to return with by my reckoning four new releases since last time. It's held in the spacious and very modern atrium hall and stage of the Richard Rose Central Academy, which is a short walk from Carlisle city centre, so pop round if you're in the area, the fun starts at one! 

Mermaids Ahoy!

Funny how sometimes a few good things all come together at the same time, all sharing something, a common link, all by a happy accident, well that's how it seems to me recently with Mermaids and I'm pretty sure that's a good thing, although it has to be said that Mermaids can seriously harm your health if you let them!

From left to right above is firstly Gary Crutchley's unadorned cover art for Westernoir book 3 (see the printed version below), the latest in his and Dave West's excellent new series following the exploits of a certain Josiah Black. The book of course is from Accent UK and I may be biased but don't take my word for its excellence, check out the latest reviews here and here. You can catch up with the series from us direct at any of our forthcoming shows or buy direct from our website here, you won't be sorry, the story's gathering pace and Gary's artwork oozes style and confidence.

Next up is the sign of The Mermaid pub from of course the new Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost movie The World's End which we saw at the weekend. It's a wonderfully silly, sweary, boozy movie, very British (in a good way!) with lots of funny moments and cameos. Perhaps not quite hitting the heights of the earlier classics Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz but still great fun and well worth a look. The World's End Mermaids are very modern in a late 80's school disco way but true to form are dangerously alluring...

Which leads me nicely to Mark Siegel's elegantly old school Sailor Twain graphic novel and the tragic tale of the Mermaid in New York's Hudson river. I was vaguely aware of Mark's book and was delighted to pick up a copy and meet him at this year's MoCCA festival where he drew me a wonderful Mermaid sketch - which I think is worth repeating;

I've now read Mark's book and its a wonderfully dark, comic, dangerous tale featuring the eponymous Captain Twain, the alluring Mermaid with unpronounceable name, steamboats, saucy liaisons and mystery, all told in absorbing pencil and charcoal. Well worth setting a course for!

These Mermaids all offer something different and may be dangerous to approach but can you resist their siren's song?

Living The Life!

Col in the sun at Fredrik Stromberg's garden terrace in Malmo!

Well it's been a while, but rest assured all is well at the moment, just had an incredibly busy but enjoyable time with family visits, comics, shows, work, decorating and more!

Hopefully I'll get a chance to update soon but please check out the much more organised Dave West's write-up's on our recent visits to Copenhagen Comics and MCM in Manchester. Next up is an unexpected return to the Mega-Con in Carlisle next Saturday, Crikey where does the time go?